Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with... Show more
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Ecological Organization
Ever wondered how scientists make sense of the natural world? They use a hierarchy that starts small and expands outward. At the base is the individual organism, which belongs to a species - a group that can breed with each other but not with other groups.
When individuals of the same species live in one area, they form a population. Multiple populations living together create a community where different species interact in various ways. Add in the non-living elements like water, soil, and air (called abiotic factors), and you have an ecosystem.
Similar ecosystems grouped by climate and dominant plants form biomes like forests or deserts. All biomes together make up the biosphere - every place on Earth where life exists, from deep underground to high in the atmosphere.
Interesting Fact: Scientists once created "Biosphere II," an experiment to recreate Earth's ecological systems in a controlled environment to study how these complex relationships work!
Major Biomes of the World
The Earth has seven major biome types, each with unique features that determine what can live there. Deserts cover about 1/5 of Earth's surface and receive less than 20 inches of rain yearly. Plants and animals there have special adaptations to survive the harsh conditions.
In the far north, we find the taiga (coniferous forests) with severe winters, and beyond that, the tundra - the coldest biome with "treeless plains" and permanent frost in the ground. Moving toward the equator, savannas serve as transitional zones with seasonal rain and drought, featuring grasses and scattered trees.
Grasslands exist on nearly every continent, receiving moderate rainfall yearly. The temperate forests found across North America, Europe, and Asia experience distinct seasons, with many deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually.
Did you know? Rainforests near the equator maintain a constant temperature around 75°F year-round and contain the largest diversity of plants and animals on the planet!
Understanding Ecosystems
Ecosystems come in two main types: water-based and land-based. Aquatic ecosystems include both freshwater (lakes, rivers, wetlands) and marine environments (oceans, seas). Marine ecosystems are particularly impressive - they cover about 3/4 of Earth's surface and generate nearly 1/3 of the world's primary producers!
Marine ecosystems contain salt water (sodium chloride), though the salinity varies in different regions. They make up 97% of all water on our planet. Freshwater ecosystems, with their lower salt content, are classified based on temperature, light penetration, and the types of plants that grow there.
Terrestrial ecosystems occupy 28% of Earth's surface. Unlike aquatic environments, land ecosystems experience greater temperature changes and receive more direct sunlight, creating different challenges and opportunities for organisms.
Conservation Alert: The ring-tailed lemur, a primate group endemic (native only) to Madagascar, is currently endangered. This shows how species uniquely adapted to specific ecosystems face serious threats when those environments change.
Special Ecosystem Focus
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems differ significantly in their environmental conditions. Land-based ecosystems experience much wider temperature fluctuations throughout the day and seasons. They also receive more direct light than underwater environments, where sunlight diminishes quickly with depth.
These differences create unique challenges that require special adaptations from the organisms living in each system. Plants and animals must develop strategies to handle temperature extremes, water availability, and light conditions specific to their ecosystem.
One fascinating example is kelp forests - among the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. These underwater forests create specialized habitats for countless marine species. Scientists study kelp forests extensively because they provide valuable insights into how marine ecosystems function as a whole.
Amazing Ecosystem: Kelp forests can grow up to 18 inches per day in ideal conditions, creating complex underwater habitats that support thousands of species, from microscopic organisms to large marine mammals!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Basic Ecology: A Beginner's Guide
Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. This fascinating field helps us understand the complex relationships that exist in nature, from tiny microorganisms to entire global systems. Knowing these connections helps us... Show more
Ecological Organization
Ever wondered how scientists make sense of the natural world? They use a hierarchy that starts small and expands outward. At the base is the individual organism, which belongs to a species - a group that can breed with each other but not with other groups.
When individuals of the same species live in one area, they form a population. Multiple populations living together create a community where different species interact in various ways. Add in the non-living elements like water, soil, and air (called abiotic factors), and you have an ecosystem.
Similar ecosystems grouped by climate and dominant plants form biomes like forests or deserts. All biomes together make up the biosphere - every place on Earth where life exists, from deep underground to high in the atmosphere.
Interesting Fact: Scientists once created "Biosphere II," an experiment to recreate Earth's ecological systems in a controlled environment to study how these complex relationships work!
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Improve your grades
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Major Biomes of the World
The Earth has seven major biome types, each with unique features that determine what can live there. Deserts cover about 1/5 of Earth's surface and receive less than 20 inches of rain yearly. Plants and animals there have special adaptations to survive the harsh conditions.
In the far north, we find the taiga (coniferous forests) with severe winters, and beyond that, the tundra - the coldest biome with "treeless plains" and permanent frost in the ground. Moving toward the equator, savannas serve as transitional zones with seasonal rain and drought, featuring grasses and scattered trees.
Grasslands exist on nearly every continent, receiving moderate rainfall yearly. The temperate forests found across North America, Europe, and Asia experience distinct seasons, with many deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually.
Did you know? Rainforests near the equator maintain a constant temperature around 75°F year-round and contain the largest diversity of plants and animals on the planet!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Ecosystems
Ecosystems come in two main types: water-based and land-based. Aquatic ecosystems include both freshwater (lakes, rivers, wetlands) and marine environments (oceans, seas). Marine ecosystems are particularly impressive - they cover about 3/4 of Earth's surface and generate nearly 1/3 of the world's primary producers!
Marine ecosystems contain salt water (sodium chloride), though the salinity varies in different regions. They make up 97% of all water on our planet. Freshwater ecosystems, with their lower salt content, are classified based on temperature, light penetration, and the types of plants that grow there.
Terrestrial ecosystems occupy 28% of Earth's surface. Unlike aquatic environments, land ecosystems experience greater temperature changes and receive more direct sunlight, creating different challenges and opportunities for organisms.
Conservation Alert: The ring-tailed lemur, a primate group endemic (native only) to Madagascar, is currently endangered. This shows how species uniquely adapted to specific ecosystems face serious threats when those environments change.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Special Ecosystem Focus
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems differ significantly in their environmental conditions. Land-based ecosystems experience much wider temperature fluctuations throughout the day and seasons. They also receive more direct light than underwater environments, where sunlight diminishes quickly with depth.
These differences create unique challenges that require special adaptations from the organisms living in each system. Plants and animals must develop strategies to handle temperature extremes, water availability, and light conditions specific to their ecosystem.
One fascinating example is kelp forests - among the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. These underwater forests create specialized habitats for countless marine species. Scientists study kelp forests extensively because they provide valuable insights into how marine ecosystems function as a whole.
Amazing Ecosystem: Kelp forests can grow up to 18 inches per day in ideal conditions, creating complex underwater habitats that support thousands of species, from microscopic organisms to large marine mammals!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user